GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.– A newlywed in Grand Rapids wants to pay it forward to a bride in need. Ashley Petkus has decided to give away her wedding dress to help another woman have her dream wedding.
“I definitely think it’s hard financially out there, and a lot of brides cut back on the wedding gown aspect to save money,” Petkus told FOX 17 News. “And, I think that’s one of the most important to make a bride feel beautiful on her wedding day.”
Petkus, who married her childhood crush on September 15, 2012, planned her wedding in six months. The budget-conscious bride says she knew when she found the right dress, although she wasn’t sure how she would be able to afford it.
“We were really tight financially,” said Petkus. “I really couldn’t afford it, but my dad pulled through and gave me pretty much every penny he had.”
The $650 dollar dress helped to make some priceless memories.
“I got tears in my eyes and I just felt really beautiful… and I just think that’s a moment every bride should have.”
Rather than letting the dress collect dust in her basement, Petkus would like to donate it to a deserving bride. She’s hoping whoever gets it will also do the same thing.
“I want to make sure that the bride I give it to would agree to pay it forward as well, and maybe pass it on to another bride in need, that would be really special,” said Petkus.
“She’s always had a good heart, and always wanted to give to other people in need,” said mom Dawn Spaanstra. “So, I’m just really excited to have a daughter like that. I’m really proud of her.”
The dress is a size 2. It’s a fit and flare style with lace, tulle and a keyhole back. Petkus had the dress bustled, and altered to fit her 5’8 height. Other than that, no alterations have been made.
Petkus wants to hear from brides in need of the dress, before selecting the lucky recipient in the next 30 days.
If you’re interested, send an email to PayItForwardDress@yahoo.com.